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Giarratana AO, Prendergast CM, Salvatore MM, Capaccione KM. TGF-β signaling: critical nexus of fibrogenesis and cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:594. [PMID: 38926762 PMCID: PMC11201862 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05411-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway is a vital regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix production. It functions through canonical SMAD-mediated processes and noncanonical pathways involving MAPK cascades, PI3K/AKT, Rho-like GTPases, and NF-κB signaling. This intricate signaling system is finely tuned by interactions between canonical and noncanonical pathways and plays key roles in both physiologic and pathologic conditions including tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and cancer progression. TGF-β signaling is known to have paradoxical actions. Under normal physiologic conditions, TGF-β signaling promotes cell quiescence and apoptosis, acting as a tumor suppressor. In contrast, in pathological states such as inflammation and cancer, it triggers processes that facilitate cancer progression and tissue remodeling, thus promoting tumor development and fibrosis. Here, we detail the role that TGF-β plays in cancer and fibrosis and highlight the potential for future theranostics targeting this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna O Giarratana
- Northwell Health - Peconic Bay Medical Center, 1 Heroes Way, Riverhead, NY, 11901, USA.
| | | | - Mary M Salvatore
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 11032, USA
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2
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Schiedlauske K, Deipenbrock A, Pflieger M, Hamacher A, Hänsel J, Kassack MU, Kurz T, Teusch NE. Novel Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitor Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Invasion via E-Cadherin Upregulation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:752. [PMID: 38931419 PMCID: PMC11206922 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal form of pancreatic cancer characterized by therapy resistance and early metastasis, resulting in a low survival rate. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors showed potential for the treatment of hematological malignancies. In PDAC, the overexpression of HDAC 2 is associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), principally accompanied by the downregulation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and increased metastatic capacity. The effector cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF β) is known to be a major inducer of the EMT in PDAC, leading to high metastatic and invasive potential. In addition, the overexpression of HDAC 6 in PDAC is associated with reduced apoptosis. Here, we have demonstrated that a novel HDAC 2/6 inhibitor not only significantly increased E-cadherin expression in PANC-1 cells (5.5-fold) and in 3D PDAC co-culture spheroids (2.5-fold) but was also able to reverse the TGF-β-induced downregulation of E-cadherin expression. Moreover, our study indicates that the HDAC inhibitor mediated re-differentiation resulting in a significant inhibition of tumor cell invasion by approximately 60% compared to control. In particular, we have shown that the HDAC inhibitor induces both apoptosis (2-fold) and cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, the HDAC 2/6 inhibitor acts by suppressing invasion via upregulating E-cadherin mediated by HDAC 2 blockade and by inducing cell cycle arrest leading to apoptosis via HDAC 6 inhibition. These results suggest that the HDAC 2/6 inhibitor might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PDAC tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Schiedlauske
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alina Deipenbrock
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marc Pflieger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra Hamacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Hänsel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Matthias U. Kassack
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicole E. Teusch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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3
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Mei J, Cai Y, Xu R, Li Q, Chu J, Luo Z, Sun Y, Shi Y, Xu J, Li D, Liang S, Jiang Y, Liu J, Qian Z, Zhou J, Wan M, Yang Y, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Yin Y. Conserved immuno-collagenic subtypes predict response to immune checkpoint blockade. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:554-575. [PMID: 38507505 PMCID: PMC11110954 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized the treatment of various cancer types. Despite significant preclinical advancements in understanding mechanisms, identifying the molecular basis and predictive biomarkers for clinical ICB responses remains challenging. Recent evidence, both preclinical and clinical, underscores the pivotal role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in modulating immune cell infiltration and behaviors. This study aimed to create an innovative classifier that leverages ECM characteristics to enhance the effectiveness of ICB therapy. METHODS We analyzed transcriptomic collagen activity and immune signatures in 649 patients with cancer undergoing ICB therapy. This analysis led to the identification of three distinct immuno-collagenic subtypes predictive of ICB responses. We validated these subtypes using the transcriptome data from 9,363 cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and 1,084 in-house samples. Additionally, novel therapeutic targets were identified based on these established immuno-collagenic subtypes. RESULTS Our categorization divided tumors into three subtypes: "soft & hot" (low collagen activity and high immune infiltration), "armored & cold" (high collagen activity and low immune infiltration), and "quiescent" (low collagen activity and immune infiltration). Notably, "soft & hot" tumors exhibited the most robust response to ICB therapy across various cancer types. Mechanistically, inhibiting collagen augmented the response to ICB in preclinical models. Furthermore, these subtypes demonstrated associations with immune activity and prognostic predictive potential across multiple cancer types. Additionally, an unbiased approach identified B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3), an available drug target, as strongly expressed in "armored & cold" tumors, relating with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION This study introduces histopathology-based universal immuno-collagenic subtypes capable of predicting ICB responses across diverse cancer types. These findings offer insights that could contribute to tailoring personalized immunotherapeutic strategies for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Mei
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
- The First Clinical Medicine CollegeNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Yun Cai
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
- The First Clinical Medicine CollegeNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Qing Li
- Departments of OncologyXuzhou Central HospitalThe Xuzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Jiahui Chu
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
- The First Clinical Medicine CollegeNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Zhiwen Luo
- Department of Sports MedicineHuashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yaying Sun
- Department of Sports MedicineShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yuxin Shi
- Departments of OncologyThe Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Junying Xu
- Departments of OncologyThe Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Di Li
- Shanghai Outdo Biotech Co., Ltd., National Engineering Center for BiochipShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shuai Liang
- Departments of OncologyThe Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalAffiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalAffiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Zhiwen Qian
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Jiaofeng Zhou
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Mengyun Wan
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Yunlong Yang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic MedicineSchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yichao Zhu
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
- Departments of GynecologyWuxi Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalAffiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Yongmei Yin
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
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4
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Vallés-Martí A, de Goeij-de Haas RR, Henneman AA, Piersma SR, Pham TV, Knol JC, Verheij J, Dijk F, Halfwerk H, Giovannetti E, Jiménez CR, Bijlsma MF. Kinase activities in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with prognostic and therapeutic avenues. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38650175 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a limited number of known driver mutations but considerable cancer cell heterogeneity. Phosphoproteomics provides a direct read-out of aberrant signaling and the resultant clinically relevant phenotype. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics and phosphoproteomics were applied to 42 PDAC tumors. Data encompassed over 19 936 phosphoserine or phosphothreonine (pS/T; in 5412 phosphoproteins) and 1208 phosphotyrosine (pY; in 501 phosphoproteins) sites and a total of 3756 proteins. Proteome data identified three distinct subtypes with tumor intrinsic and stromal features. Subsequently, three phospho-subtypes were apparent: two tumor intrinsic (Phos1/2) and one stromal (Phos3), resembling known PDAC molecular subtypes. Kinase activity was analyzed by the Integrative iNferred Kinase Activity (INKA) scoring. Phospho-subtypes displayed differential phosphorylation signals and kinase activity, such as FGR and GSK3 activation in Phos1, SRC kinase family and EPHA2 in Phos2, and EGFR, INSR, MET, ABL1, HIPK1, JAK, and PRKCD in Phos3. Kinase activity analysis of an external PDAC cohort supported our findings and underscored the importance of PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways, among others. Interestingly, unfavorable patient prognosis correlated with higher RTK, PAK2, STK10, and CDK7 activity and high proliferation, whereas long survival was associated with MYLK and PTK6 activity, which was previously unknown. Subtype-associated activity profiles can guide therapeutic combination approaches in tumor and stroma-enriched tissues, and emphasize the critical role of parallel signaling pathways. In addition, kinase activity profiling identifies potential disease markers with prognostic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vallés-Martí
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard R de Goeij-de Haas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex A Henneman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander R Piersma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thang V Pham
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco C Knol
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Frederike Dijk
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Halfwerk
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, Italy
| | - Connie R Jiménez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Cancer Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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D'Amico S, Kirillov V, Petrenko O, Reich NC. STAT3 is a genetic modifier of TGF-beta induced EMT in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer. eLife 2024; 13:RP92559. [PMID: 38573819 PMCID: PMC10994661 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in KRAS are among the most common in cancer. Classical models suggest that loss of epithelial characteristics and the acquisition of mesenchymal traits are associated with cancer aggressiveness and therapy resistance. However, the mechanistic link between these phenotypes and mutant KRAS biology remains to be established. Here, we identify STAT3 as a genetic modifier of TGF-beta-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Gene expression profiling of pancreatic cancer cells identifies more than 200 genes commonly regulated by STAT3 and oncogenic KRAS. Functional classification of the STAT3-responsive program reveals its major role in tumor maintenance and epithelial homeostasis. The signatures of STAT3-activated cell states can be projected onto human KRAS mutant tumors, suggesting that they faithfully reflect characteristics of human disease. These observations have implications for therapeutic intervention and tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D'Amico
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookUnited States
| | - Varvara Kirillov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookUnited States
| | - Oleksi Petrenko
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookUnited States
| | - Nancy C Reich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookUnited States
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6
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Tindall RR, Bailey-Lundberg JM, Cao Y, Ko TC. The TGF-β superfamily as potential therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1362247. [PMID: 38500662 PMCID: PMC10944957 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1362247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily has important physiologic roles and is dysregulated in many pathologic processes, including pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancer diagnoses, and current therapies are largely ineffective due to tumor resistance and late-stage diagnosis with poor prognosis. Recent efforts are focused on the potential of immunotherapies in improving therapeutic results for patients with pancreatic cancer, among which TGF-β has been identified as a promising target. This review focuses on the role of TGF-β in the diseased pancreas and pancreatic cancer. It also aims to summarize the current status of therapies targeting the TGF-β superfamily and postulate potential future directions in targeting the TGF-β signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R. Tindall
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Bailey-Lundberg
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yanna Cao
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tien C. Ko
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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7
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Enzler T, Shi J, McGue J, Griffith BD, Sun L, Sahai V, Nathan H, Frankel TL. A Comparison of Spatial and Phenotypic Immune Profiles of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Its Precursor Lesions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2953. [PMID: 38474199 PMCID: PMC10932200 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of 12.5%. PDAC predominantly arises from non-cystic pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and cystic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). We used multiplex immunofluorescence and computational imaging technology to characterize, map, and compare the immune microenvironments (IMEs) of PDAC and its precursor lesions. We demonstrate that the IME of IPMN was abundantly infiltrated with CD8+ T cells and PD-L1-positive antigen-presenting cells (APCs), whereas the IME of PanIN contained fewer CD8+ T cells and fewer PD-L1-positive APCs but elevated numbers of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). Thus, immunosuppression in IPMN and PanIN seems to be mediated by different mechanisms. While immunosuppression in IPMN is facilitated by PD-L1 expression on APCs, Tregs seem to play a key role in PanIN. Our findings suggest potential immunotherapeutic interventions for high-risk precursor lesions, namely, targeting PD-1/PD-L1 in IPMN and CTLA-4-positive Tregs in PanIN to restore immunosurveillance and prevent progression to cancer. Tregs accumulate with malignant transformation, as observed in PDAC, and to a lesser extent in IPMN-associated PDAC (IAPA). High numbers of Tregs in the microenvironment of PDAC went along with a markedly decreased interaction between CD8+ T cells and cancerous epithelial cells (ECs), highlighting the importance of Tregs as key players in immunosuppression in PDAC. We found evidence that a defect in antigen presentation, further aggravated by PD-L1 expression on APC, may contribute to immunosuppression in IAPA, suggesting a role for PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of IAPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Enzler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Jake McGue
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.); (B.D.G.); (L.S.); (H.N.)
| | - Brian D. Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.); (B.D.G.); (L.S.); (H.N.)
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.); (B.D.G.); (L.S.); (H.N.)
| | - Vaibhav Sahai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hari Nathan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.); (B.D.G.); (L.S.); (H.N.)
| | - Timothy L. Frankel
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.); (B.D.G.); (L.S.); (H.N.)
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8
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Meng Z, Rodriguez Ehrenfried A, Tan CL, Steffens LK, Kehm H, Zens S, Lauenstein C, Paul A, Schwab M, Förster JD, Salek M, Riemer AB, Wu H, Eckert C, Leonhardt CS, Strobel O, Volkmar M, Poschke I, Offringa R. Transcriptome-based identification of tumor-reactive and bystander CD8 + T cell receptor clonotypes in human pancreatic cancer. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadh9562. [PMID: 37967201 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh9562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is generally refractory to immune checkpoint blockade, although patients with genetically unstable tumors can show modest therapeutic benefit. We previously demonstrated the presence of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells in PDAC samples. Here, we charted the tumor-infiltrating T cell repertoire in PDAC by combining single-cell transcriptomics with functional testing of T cell receptors (TCRs) for reactivity against autologous tumor cells. On the basis of a comprehensive dataset including 93 tumor-reactive and 65 bystander TCR clonotypes, we delineated a gene signature that effectively distinguishes between these T cell subsets in PDAC, as well as in other tumor indications. This revealed a high frequency of tumor-reactive TCR clonotypes in three genetically unstable samples. In contrast, the T cell repertoire in six genetically stable PDAC tumors was largely dominated by bystander T cells. Nevertheless, multiple tumor-reactive TCRs were successfully identified in each of these samples, thereby providing a perspective for personalized immunotherapy in this treatment-resistant indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Meng
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Aaron Rodriguez Ehrenfried
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute for Translational Oncology by DKFZ (HI-TRON), 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chin Leng Tan
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura K Steffens
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hannes Kehm
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Zens
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Lauenstein
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alina Paul
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marius Schwab
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas D Förster
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Immunotherapy & Immunoprevention, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Vaccine Design, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mogjiborahman Salek
- Division of Immunotherapy & Immunoprevention, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Vaccine Design, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelika B Riemer
- Division of Immunotherapy & Immunoprevention, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Vaccine Design, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heshui Wu
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Christoph Eckert
- Pathology Institute, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carl-Stephan Leonhardt
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Strobel
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Volkmar
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute for Translational Oncology by DKFZ (HI-TRON), 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Isabel Poschke
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Immune Monitoring Unit, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rienk Offringa
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
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D’Amico S, Kirillov V, Petrenko O, Reich NC. STAT3 is a genetic modifier of TGF-beta induced EMT in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.01.555946. [PMID: 37732258 PMCID: PMC10508731 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.01.555946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in KRAS are among the most common in cancer. Classical models suggest that loss of epithelial characteristics and the acquisition of mesenchymal traits are associated with cancer aggressiveness and therapy resistance. However, the mechanistic link between these phenotypes and mutant KRAS biology remains to be established. Here we identify STAT3 as a genetic modifier of TGF-beta-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Gene expression profiling of pancreatic cancer cells identifies more than 200 genes commonly regulated by STAT3 and oncogenic KRAS. Functional classification of STAT3 responsive program reveals its major role in tumor maintenance and epithelial homeostasis. The signatures of STAT3-activated cell states can be projected onto human KRAS mutant tumors, suggesting that they faithfully reflect characteristics of human disease. These observations have implications for therapeutic intervention and tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D’Amico
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Varvara Kirillov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Oleksi Petrenko
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Nancy C. Reich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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10
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De Grandis MC, Ascenti V, Lanza C, Di Paolo G, Galassi B, Ierardi AM, Carrafiello G, Facciorusso A, Ghidini M. Locoregional Therapies and Remodeling of Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12681. [PMID: 37628865 PMCID: PMC10454061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the advances made in treatment, the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains dismal, even in the locoregional and locally advanced stages, with high relapse rates after surgery. PDAC exhibits a chemoresistant and immunosuppressive phenotype, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) surrounding cancer cells actively participates in creating a stromal barrier to chemotherapy and an immunosuppressive environment. Recently, there has been an increasing use of interventional radiology techniques for the treatment of PDAC, although they do not represent a standard of care and are not included in clinical guidelines. Local approaches such as radiation therapy, hyperthermia, microwave or radiofrequency ablation, irreversible electroporation and high-intensity focused ultrasound exert their action on the tumor tissue, altering the composition and structure of TME and potentially enhancing the action of chemotherapy. Moreover, their action can increase antigen release and presentation with T-cell activation and reduction tumor-induced immune suppression. This review summarizes the current evidence on locoregional therapies in PDAC and their effect on remodeling TME to make it more susceptible to the action of antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Velio Ascenti
- Postgraduate School of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (V.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Carolina Lanza
- Postgraduate School of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (V.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Giacomo Di Paolo
- Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.C.D.G.); (G.D.P.)
| | - Barbara Galassi
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (B.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Anna Maria Ierardi
- Radiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.M.I.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianpaolo Carrafiello
- Radiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.M.I.); (G.C.)
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (B.G.); (M.G.)
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11
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Singh M, Anvekar P, Baraskar B, Pallipamu N, Gadam S, Cherukuri ASS, Damani DN, Kulkarni K, Arunachalam SP. Prospective of Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis Using Cardiac Sensing. J Imaging 2023; 9:149. [PMID: 37623681 PMCID: PMC10455647 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9080149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic carcinoma (Ca Pancreas) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. The malignancies of the pancreas can be diagnosed with the help of various imaging modalities. An endoscopic ultrasound with a tissue biopsy is so far considered to be the gold standard in terms of the detection of Ca Pancreas, especially for lesions <2 mm. However, other methods, like computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are also conventionally used. Moreover, newer techniques, like proteomics, radiomics, metabolomics, and artificial intelligence (AI), are slowly being introduced for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Regardless, it is still a challenge to diagnose pancreatic carcinoma non-invasively at an early stage due to its delayed presentation. Similarly, this also makes it difficult to demonstrate an association between Ca Pancreas and other vital organs of the body, such as the heart. A number of studies have proven a correlation between the heart and pancreatic cancer. The tumor of the pancreas affects the heart at the physiological, as well as the molecular, level. An overexpression of the SMAD4 gene; a disruption in biomolecules, such as IGF, MAPK, and ApoE; and increased CA19-9 markers are a few of the many factors that are noted to affect cardiovascular systems with pancreatic malignancies. A comprehensive review of this correlation will aid researchers in conducting studies to help establish a definite relation between the two organs and discover ways to use it for the early detection of Ca Pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansunderbir Singh
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.S.); (B.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Priyanka Anvekar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Bhavana Baraskar
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.S.); (B.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Namratha Pallipamu
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.S.); (B.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Srikanth Gadam
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.S.); (B.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Akhila Sai Sree Cherukuri
- GIH Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Microwave Engineering and Imaging Laboratory (MEIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Devanshi N. Damani
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, El Paso, TX 79995, USA
| | - Kanchan Kulkarni
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, University of Bordeaux, INSERM, U1045, 33000 Bordeaux, France;
- IHU Liryc, Heart Rhythm Disease Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, 33600 Bordeaux, France
| | - Shivaram P. Arunachalam
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.S.); (B.B.); (N.P.)
- GIH Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Microwave Engineering and Imaging Laboratory (MEIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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12
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Groeneveldt C, van Ginkel JQ, Kinderman P, Sluijter M, Griffioen L, Labrie C, van den Wollenberg DJ, Hoeben RC, van der Burg SH, ten Dijke P, Hawinkels LJ, van Hall T, van Montfoort N. Intertumoral Differences Dictate the Outcome of TGF-β Blockade on the Efficacy of Viro-Immunotherapy. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:325-337. [PMID: 36860656 PMCID: PMC9973387 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The absence of T cells in the tumor microenvironment of solid tumors is a major barrier to cancer immunotherapy efficacy. Oncolytic viruses, including reovirus type 3 Dearing (Reo), can recruit CD8+ T cells to the tumor and thereby enhance the efficacy of immunotherapeutic strategies that depend on high T-cell density, such as CD3-bispecific antibody (bsAb) therapy. TGF-β signaling might represent another barrier to effective Reo&CD3-bsAb therapy due to its immunoinhibitory characteristics. Here, we investigated the effect of TGF-β blockade on the antitumor efficacy of Reo&CD3-bsAb therapy in the preclinical pancreatic KPC3 and colon MC38 tumor models, where TGF-β signaling is active. TGF-β blockade impaired tumor growth in both KPC3 and MC38 tumors. Furthermore, TGF-β blockade did not affect reovirus replication in both models and significantly enhanced the Reo-induced T-cell influx in MC38 colon tumors. Reo administration decreased TGF-β signaling in MC38 tumors but instead increased TGF-β activity in KPC3 tumors, resulting in the accumulation of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA+) fibroblasts. In KPC3 tumors, TGF-β blockade antagonized the antitumor effect of Reo&CD3-bsAb therapy, even though T-cell influx and activity were not impaired. Moreover, genetic loss of TGF-β signaling in CD8+ T cells had no effect on therapeutic responses. In contrast, TGF-β blockade significantly improved therapeutic efficacy of Reo&CD3-bsAb in mice bearing MC38 colon tumors, resulting in a 100% complete response. Further understanding of the factors that determine this intertumor dichotomy is required before TGF-β inhibition can be exploited as part of viroimmunotherapeutic combination strategies to improve their clinical benefit. Significance Blockade of the pleiotropic molecule TGF-β can both improve and impair the efficacy of viro-immunotherapy, depending on the tumor model. While TGF-β blockade antagonized Reo&CD3-bsAb combination therapy in the KPC3 model for pancreatic cancer, it resulted in 100% complete responses in the MC38 colon model. Understanding factors underlying this contrast is required to guide therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christianne Groeneveldt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jurriaan Q. van Ginkel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Priscilla Kinderman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Sluijter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Griffioen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Camilla Labrie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rob C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H. van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lukas J.A.C. Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Corresponding Author: Nadine van Montfoort, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands. Phone: 317-1526-4726; E-mail:
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13
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Tanaka HY, Nakazawa T, Enomoto A, Masamune A, Kano MR. Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome Fibrotic Barriers to Nanomedicine in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030724. [PMID: 36765684 PMCID: PMC9913712 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is notorious for its dismal prognosis. The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect theory posits that nanomedicines (therapeutics in the size range of approximately 10-200 nm) selectively accumulate in tumors. Nanomedicine has thus been suggested to be the "magic bullet"-both effective and safe-to treat pancreatic cancer. However, the densely fibrotic tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer impedes nanomedicine delivery. The EPR effect is thus insufficient to achieve a significant therapeutic effect. Intratumoral fibrosis is chiefly driven by aberrantly activated fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix (ECM) components secreted. Fibroblast and ECM abnormalities offer various potential targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we detail the diverse strategies being tested to overcome the fibrotic barriers to nanomedicine in pancreatic cancer. Strategies that target the fibrotic tissue/process are discussed first, which are followed by strategies to optimize nanomedicine design. We provide an overview of how a deeper understanding, increasingly at single-cell resolution, of fibroblast biology is revealing the complex role of the fibrotic stroma in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and consider the therapeutic implications. Finally, we discuss critical gaps in our understanding and how we might better formulate strategies to successfully overcome the fibrotic barriers in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Y. Tanaka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi 700-8530, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Nakazawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi 700-8530, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya-shi 466-8550, Aichi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi 980-8574, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mitsunobu R. Kano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi 700-8530, Okayama, Japan
- Correspondence:
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14
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Perez-Penco M, Weis-Banke SE, Schina A, Siersbæk M, Hübbe ML, Jørgensen MA, Lecoq I, Lara de la Torre L, Bendtsen SK, Martinenaite E, Holmström MO, Madsen DH, Donia M, Ødum N, Grøntved L, Andersen MH. TGFβ-derived immune modulatory vaccine: targeting the immunosuppressive and fibrotic tumor microenvironment in a murine model of pancreatic cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005491. [PMID: 36600556 PMCID: PMC9730419 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with very poor survival, making it the third and fourth leading cause of all cancer-related deaths in the USA and European Union, respectively. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in PDAC is highly immunosuppressive and desmoplastic, which could explain the limited therapeutic effect of immunotherapy in PDAC. One of the key molecules that contributes to immunosuppression and fibrosis is transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). The aim of this study was to target the immunosuppressive and fibrotic TME in PDAC using a novel immune modulatory vaccine with TGFβ-derived peptides in a murine model of pancreatic cancer. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously inoculated with Pan02 PDAC cells. Mice were treated with TGFβ1-derived peptides (major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I and MHC-II-restricted) adjuvanted with Montanide ISA 51VG. The presence of treatment-induced TGFβ-specific T cells was assessed by ELISpot (enzyme-linked immunospot). Changes in the immune infiltration and gene expression profile in tumor samples were characterized by flow cytometry, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and bulk RNA sequencing. RESULTS Treatment with immunogenic TGFβ-derived peptides was safe and controlled tumor growth in Pan02 tumor-bearing mice. Enlargement of tumor-draining lymph nodes in vaccinated mice positively correlated to the control of tumor growth. Analysis of immune infiltration and gene expression in Pan02 tumors revealed that TGFβ-derived peptide vaccine increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and the intratumoral M1/M2 macrophage ratio, it increased the expression of genes involved in immune activation and immune response to tumors, and it reduced the expression of myofibroblast-like cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-related genes and genes encoding fibroblast-derived collagens. Finally, we confirmed that TGFβ-derived peptide vaccine actively modulated the TME, as the ability of T cells to proliferate was restored when exposed to tumor-conditioned media from vaccinated mice compared with media from untreated mice. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the antitumor activity of TGFβ-derived multipeptide vaccination in a murine tumor model of PDAC. The data suggest that the vaccine targets immunosuppression and fibrosis in the TME by polarizing the cellular composition towards a more pro-inflammatory phenotype. Our findings support the feasibility and potential of TGFβ-derived peptide vaccination as a novel immunotherapeutic approach to target immunosuppression in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Perez-Penco
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Stine Emilie Weis-Banke
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Aimilia Schina
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Majken Siersbæk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mie Linder Hübbe
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mia Aaboe Jørgensen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inés Lecoq
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,IO Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lucia Lara de la Torre
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Simone Kloch Bendtsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Evelina Martinenaite
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,IO Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Daniel Hargbøl Madsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Donia
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Niels Ødum
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Grøntved
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Metropulos AE, Munshi HG, Principe DR. The difficulty in translating the preclinical success of combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint inhibition to clinical trial. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104380. [PMID: 36455409 PMCID: PMC9706619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment paradigm for solid tumors. However, even in cancers generally considered ICI-sensitive, responses can vary significantly. Thus, there is an ever-increasing interest in identifying novel means of improving therapeutic responses, both for cancers in which ICIs are indicated and those for which they have yet to show significant anti-tumor activity. To this end, Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) signaling is emerging as an important barrier to the efficacy of ICIs. Accordingly, several preclinical studies now support the use of combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint blockade, with near-uniform positive results across a wide range of tumor types. However, as these approaches have started to emerge in clinical trials, the addition of TGFβ inhibitors has often failed to show a meaningful benefit beyond the current generation of ICIs alone. Here, we summarize landmark clinical studies exploring combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint blockade. These studies not only reinforce the difficulty in translating results from rodents to clinical trials in immune-oncology but also underscore the need to re-evaluate the design of trials exploring this approach, incorporating both mechanism-driven combination strategies and novel, predictive biomarkers to identify the patients most likely to derive clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hidayatullah G Munshi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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16
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Cellular heterogeneity in pancreatic cancer: the different faces of gremlin action. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:364. [PMID: 36224174 PMCID: PMC9556434 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01203-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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17
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Pedersen RS, Nissen NI, Jensen C, Thorlacius-Ussing J, Manon-Jensen T, Olesen ML, Langholm LL, Diab HMH, Jorgensen LN, Hansen CP, Chen IM, Johansen JS, Karsdal MA, Willumsen N. Plasma Kallikrein-Activated TGF-β Is Prognostic for Poor Overall Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Associates with Increased Fibrogenesis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091315. [PMID: 36139154 PMCID: PMC9496221 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a hard-to-treat cancer due to the collagen-rich (fibrotic) and immune-suppressed microenvironment. A major driver of this phenomenon is transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). TGF-β is produced in an inactive complex with a latency-associated protein (LAP) that can be cleaved by plasma kallikrein (PLK), hereby releasing active TGF-β. The aim of this study was to evaluate LAP cleaved by PLK as a non-invasive biomarker for PDAC and tumor fibrosis. An ELISA was developed for the quantification of PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β in the serum of 34 patients with PDAC (stage 1−4) and 20 healthy individuals. Biomarker levels were correlated with overall survival (OS) and compared to serum type III collagen (PRO-C3) and type VI collagen (PRO-C6) pro-peptides. PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β was higher in patients with PDAC compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.0001). High levels (>median) of PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β were associated with poor OS in patients with PDAC independent of age and stage (HR 2.57, 95% CI: 1.22−5.44, p = 0.0135). High levels of PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β were associated with high PRO-C3 and PRO-C6, indicating a relationship between the PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β fragment, TGF-β activity, and tumor fibrosis. If these preliminary results are validated, circulating PLK-cleaved LAP-TGF-β may be a biomarker for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus S. Pedersen
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hadi M. H. Diab
- Digestive Disease Center, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars N. Jorgensen
- Digestive Disease Center, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carsten P. Hansen
- Department of Surgery, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inna M. Chen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Julia S. Johansen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Rudloff U. Emerging kinase inhibitors for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:345-368. [PMID: 36250721 PMCID: PMC9793333 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2134346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest solid organ cancers. In the absence of specific warning symptoms pancreatic cancer is diagnosed notoriously late. Current systemic chemotherapy regimens extend survival by a mere few months. With the advances in genetic, proteomic, and immunological profiling there is strong rationale to test kinase inhibitors to improve outcome. AREAS COVERED This review article provides a comprehensive summary of approved treatments and past, present, and future developments of kinase inhibitors in pancreatic cancer. Emerging roles of protein kinase inhibitors are discussed in the context of the unique stroma, the lack of high-prevalence therapeutic targets and rapid emergence of acquired resistance, novel immuno-oncology kinase targets, and recent medicinal chemistry advances. EXPERT OPINION Due to the to-date frequent failure of protein kinase inhibitors indiscriminately administered to unselected pancreatic cancer patients, there is a shift toward the development of these agents in molecularly defined subgroups which are more likely to respond. The development of accurate biomarkers to select patients who are the best candidates based on a detailed understanding of mechanism of action, pro-survival roles, and mediation of resistance of targeted kinases will be critical for the future development of protein kinase inhibitors in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Rudloff
- Rare Tumor Initiative, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Lyu Y, Duan B, Liu Z, Yang F, Chen C, Jiang X, Liu X. Sparstolonin B inhibits pancreatic adenocarcinoma through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2022; 417:113214. [PMID: 35594953 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a highly lethal malignant gastrointestinal tumor. Sparstolonin B is an isocoumarin whose anticancer activity has recently received increasing attention. This study aimed to investigate Sparstolonin B's potential antitumor effect on pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The effect of Sparstolonin B on pancreatic cancer target genes and molecular mechanism was predicted via network pharmacology; Sparstolonin B significantly decreased Panc-1 and SW1990 cell viability and effectively suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells as shown by CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays. Flow cytometry showed that it induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Sparstolonin B also upregulated Bax levels but decreased those of MMP2 and Bcl-2, downregulated IκBα expression, and upregulated p65 and IκBα phosphorylation; however, it had no effect on total NF-κB p65 levels. The NF-κB pathway inhibitor QNZ reversed these effects. The treatment group (26 μmol/L) had reduced graft volume and weight and fewer Ki-67-positive cells than the control group. Therefore, Sparstolonin B can inhibit the growth and induce the apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells via the NF-κB signaling pathway and may be a potential novel drug for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lyu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO.36, Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, PR China
| | - Bowen Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO.36, Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, PR China
| | - Ziming Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO.36, Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, PR China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO.36, Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO.36, Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, PR China
| | - Xuejiao Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO.36, Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, PR China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO.36, Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, PR China.
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20
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Wu Y, Hong L, Ling Z, Hu X, Liu Z, Li P, Ling Z. Golgi scaffold protein
PAQR3
as a candidate suppressor of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma via regulating
TGF
‐β/Smad pathway. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24617. [PMID: 35870178 PMCID: PMC9459307 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the function of PAQR3 in gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) and understand the possible mechanism of PAQR3 in regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods We detected PAQR3 protein in 146 GCA tissues and paired normal adjacent tissues (PNTs) specimens using immunohistochemical analysis, and explored its clinical significance. The expression levels of PAQR3 protein in 20 GCA tissues, their paired PNTs, HGC27, SGC7901, and GES‐1 cells were analyzed by Western blot. Wild‐type PAQR3 was overexpressed in HGC27 cells. The effects of PAQR3 overexpression on the function of HGC27 cells and its underlying mechanisms were then analyzed through a series of cell and molecular biology experiments. Results PAQR3 was significantly down‐regulated in GCA tissues when compared with paired PNTs (p < 0.0001). The expression level of PAQR3 in GCA tissues was significantly negatively correlated with Helicobacter pylori infection (p = 0.000), venous invasion (p = 0.000), invasion depth (p = 0.000), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.022), tumor stage (p = 0.000), and patient survival (p = 0.009). Downregulation of PAQR3 was highly correlated with increased EMT signature and activated TGF‐β/Smad pathway in GCA tissues. Overexpression of PAQR3 in HGC27 cells negatively regulates its cellular functions, such as cell proliferation and migration, and suppresses EMT. Mechanistically, overexpression of PAQR3 significantly down‐regulates the protein expression levels of TGF‐1, p‐Smad2, and p‐Smad3 in HGC27 cells. Conclusion PAQR3 was significantly down‐regulated in GCA tissues, HGC27, and SGC7901 cells. PAQR3 significantly inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HGC27 cells. Mechanistically, PAQR3 can inhibit the EMT process in HGC27 cells by regulating TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying‐Li Wu
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou China
- Department of anaesthesiology Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou China
| | - Lian‐Lian Hong
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou China
| | - Zhe‐Nan Ling
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou China
| | - Xuan‐Yu Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Zhengzhou China
| | - Zhu Liu
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou China
| | - Pei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Zhengzhou China
| | - Zhi‐Qiang Ling
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou China
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21
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Pouliquen DL, Boissard A, Henry C, Coqueret O, Guette C. Curcuminoids as Modulators of EMT in Invasive Cancers: A Review of Molecular Targets With the Contribution of Malignant Mesothelioma Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:934534. [PMID: 35873564 PMCID: PMC9304619 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.934534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcuminoids, which include natural acyclic diarylheptanoids and the synthetic analogs of curcumin, have considerable potential for fighting against all the characteristics of invasive cancers. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process for embryonic morphogenesis, however, the last decade has confirmed it orchestrates many features of cancer invasiveness, such as tumor cell stemness, metabolic rewiring, and drug resistance. A wealth of studies has revealed EMT in cancer is in fact driven by an increasing number of parameters, and thus understanding its complexity has now become a cornerstone for defining future therapeutic strategies dealing with cancer progression and metastasis. A specificity of curcuminoids is their ability to target multiple molecular targets, modulate several signaling pathways, modify tumor microenvironments and enhance the host’s immune response. Although the effects of curcumin on these various parameters have been the subject of many reviews, the role of curcuminoids against EMT in the context of cancer have never been reviewed so far. This review first provides an updated overview of all EMT drivers, including signaling pathways, transcription factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and tumor microenvironment components, with a special focus on the most recent findings. Secondly, for each of these drivers the effects of curcumin/curcuminoids on specific molecular targets are analyzed. Finally, we address some common findings observed between data reported in the literature and the results of investigations we conducted on experimental malignant mesothelioma, a model of invasive cancer representing a useful tool for studies on EMT and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Pouliquen
- Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
- *Correspondence: Daniel L. Pouliquen,
| | - Alice Boissard
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Cécile Henry
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Olivier Coqueret
- Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Catherine Guette
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
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22
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Liu S, Qiu Y, Xiang R, Huang P. Characterization of H2O2-Induced Alterations in Global Transcription of mRNA and lncRNA. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030495. [PMID: 35326145 PMCID: PMC8944526 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important reactive oxygen species that plays a major role in redox signaling. Although H2O2 is known to regulate gene expression and affect multiple cellular processes, the characteristics and mechanisms of such transcriptional regulation remain to be defined. In this study, we utilized transcriptome sequencing to determine the global changes of mRNA and lncRNA transcripts induced by H2O2 in human pancreatic normal epithelial (HPNE) and pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) cells. Promoter analysis using PROMO and TRRUST revealed that mRNAs and lncRNAs largely shared the same sets of transcription factors in response to ROS stress. Interestingly, promoters of the upregulated genes were similar to those of the downregulated transcripts, suggesting that the H2O2-responding promoters are conserved but they alone do not determine the levels of transcriptional outputs. We also found that H2O2 induced significant changes in molecules involved in the pathways of RNA metabolism, processing, and transport. Detailed analyses further revealed a significant difference between pancreatic cancer and noncancer cells in their response to H2O2 stress, especially in the transcription of genes involved in cell-cycle regulation and DNA repair. Our study provides new insights into RNA transcriptional regulation upon ROS stress in cancer and normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (S.L.); (Y.Q.); (R.X.)
| | - Ya Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (S.L.); (Y.Q.); (R.X.)
| | - Rong Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (S.L.); (Y.Q.); (R.X.)
| | - Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (S.L.); (Y.Q.); (R.X.)
- Center for Cancer Metabolism and Intervention Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Correspondence:
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23
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Principe DR, Underwood PW, Kumar S, Timbers KE, Koch RM, Trevino JG, Munshi HG, Rana A. Loss of SMAD4 Is Associated With Poor Tumor Immunogenicity and Reduced PD-L1 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:806963. [PMID: 35155243 PMCID: PMC8832494 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.806963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) is a key mediator of immune evasion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and the addition of TGFβ inhibitors in select immunotherapy regimens shows early promise. Though the TGFβ target SMAD4 is deleted in approximately 55% of PDAC tumors, the effects of SMAD4 loss on tumor immunity have yet to be fully explored. Using a combination of genomic databases and PDAC specimens, we found that tumors with loss of SMAD4 have a comparatively poor T-cell infiltrate. SMAD4 loss was also associated with a reduction in several chemokines with known roles in T-cell recruitment, which was recapitulated using knockdown of SMAD4 in PDAC cell lines. Accordingly, JURKAT T-cells were poorly attracted to conditioned media from PDAC cells with knockdown of SMAD4 and lost their ability to produce IFNγ. However, while exogenous TGFβ modestly reduced PD-L1 expression in SMAD4-intact cell lines, SMAD4 and PD-L1 positively correlated in human PDAC samples. PD-L1 status was closely related to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, particularly IFNγ-producing T-cells, which were more abundant in SMAD4-expressing tumors. Low concentrations of IFNγ upregulated PD-L1 in tumor cells in vitro, even when administered alongside high concentrations of TGFβ. Hence, while SMAD4 may have a modest inhibitory effect on PD-L1 in tumor cells, SMAD4 indirectly promotes PD-L1 expression in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment by enhancing T-cell infiltration and IFNγ biosynthesis. These data suggest that pancreatic cancers with loss of SMAD4 represent a poorly immunogenic disease subtype, and SMAD4 status warrants further exploration as a predictive biomarker for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Principe
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Ajay Rana, ; Daniel R. Principe,
| | - Patrick W. Underwood
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kaytlin E. Timbers
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Regina M. Koch
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jose G. Trevino
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Hidayatullah G. Munshi
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Ajay Rana, ; Daniel R. Principe,
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